Ibritumomab Tiuxetan

Ibritumomab tiuxetan (Y-90 Zevalin, Spectrum) is an anti-CD20 radionuclide-linked monoclonal antibody immunoconjugate used for the treatment of B-cell NHL. The drug is administered as an IV infusion. This section discusses the common adverse reactions, warnings, precautions and other contraindications associated with ibritumomab tiuxetan therapy.

Topics Covered:
Common adverse reactions
Warnings and precautions
Drug interactions and other contraindications

Ibritumomab tiuxetan common adverse reactions

The most common adverse reactions, reported by at least 10% of clinical trial participants treated with ibritumomab tiuxetan, were cytopenias, fatigue, nasopharyngitis, nausea, abdominal pain, asthenia, cough, diarrhea and fever.

Ibritumomab tiuxetan warnings and precautions

Ibritumomab tiuxetan is given as part of a regimen that includes rituximab infusion, and, therefore, patients are subject to the potentially serious and fatal reactions associated with rituximab therapy, including the infusion reactions and mucocutaneous reactions described in detail in the rituximab section of this module.

The drug is also associated with severe cytopenias and should not be given to patients with impaired bone marrow function.

The radioactivity of ibritumomab tiuxetan may be harmful to fetal development; women of childbearing age should use contraception for 1 year after treatment. Proper precautions should be taken when handling radiolabeled ibritumomab.

Ibritumomab tiuxetan drug interactions and other contraindications

Patients who are receiving or have recently received ibritumomab tiuxetan should not be immunized with a live viral vaccine. Additionally, treatment should be discontinued in the event of serious infusion reactions or mucocutaneous reactions.

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